Ah, the Harbeth Kool Aid strikes again. I can’t say I didn’t drink it at one point. It’s hard to ignore the devout following of the Harbeth cult.
Unless you find your Cornwalls and Chorus’ to be "hard" or fatiguing, IMO, the Harbs (somewhat dependent on model) could very well be a step backwards. I AM NOT SAYING THEY ARE BAD SPEAKERS (sorry, one has to tred lightly around the children of the Shaw). I am only saying they’re very different from Klipsch Heritage and not necessarily better in the typical audiophile sense. They definitely won’t yield greater dynamics, and not very likely to be an upgrade in terms of resolution or imaging. I’ve had the Harbeth C7es3s and IME, the cheaper Klipsh Heresy 3s are more resolving and far more dynamic. They also perform the disappearing act a little better. For light jazz, acoustic, small ensemble, and solo vocalist music, Harbeths can be excellent, but they won’t rock your world like a pair of Cornwalls. They also lack the sensitivity that allows Klispch Heritage speakers to remain very dynamic at low volumes. As far as bass impact and depth, you’d definitely have to get the M40.1s to get anywhere close to matching Cornwalls.
IMO, the Klispch models are the more versatile speakers and I happen to be a big fan of BBC-lineage designs.
Regardless, I'd still encourage an audition of the Harbs.
You might find this review interesting:
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/the-klipsch-cornwall-iii-speaker-review-by-steve-huff/
Obviously a little hyperbole, but he’s had some very nice gear over the years.
Unless you find your Cornwalls and Chorus’ to be "hard" or fatiguing, IMO, the Harbs (somewhat dependent on model) could very well be a step backwards. I AM NOT SAYING THEY ARE BAD SPEAKERS (sorry, one has to tred lightly around the children of the Shaw). I am only saying they’re very different from Klipsch Heritage and not necessarily better in the typical audiophile sense. They definitely won’t yield greater dynamics, and not very likely to be an upgrade in terms of resolution or imaging. I’ve had the Harbeth C7es3s and IME, the cheaper Klipsh Heresy 3s are more resolving and far more dynamic. They also perform the disappearing act a little better. For light jazz, acoustic, small ensemble, and solo vocalist music, Harbeths can be excellent, but they won’t rock your world like a pair of Cornwalls. They also lack the sensitivity that allows Klispch Heritage speakers to remain very dynamic at low volumes. As far as bass impact and depth, you’d definitely have to get the M40.1s to get anywhere close to matching Cornwalls.
IMO, the Klispch models are the more versatile speakers and I happen to be a big fan of BBC-lineage designs.
Regardless, I'd still encourage an audition of the Harbs.
You might find this review interesting:
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/the-klipsch-cornwall-iii-speaker-review-by-steve-huff/
Obviously a little hyperbole, but he’s had some very nice gear over the years.